Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote and captain Riley Norton both lauded the fighting spirit of the SA U19 Academy team, who beat Ireland in their last tour match in Cork on Friday evening.
The team's character was truly tested in their final match in Ireland, where they played in freezing cold, wet, and windy conditions marked by sweeping rain.
Despite the atrocious weather, the SA U19S demonstrated remarkable grit and executed a strong, forward-dominated performance to secure an impressive 32-22 victory, finishing the tour on a massive high.
After the game, Foote praised the resilient fighting character of the touring squad, who delivered an assured performance in challenging winter northern hemisphere conditions.
“That was just a brave performance from our young men, I thought they showed tremendous character in seriously harsh conditions,” said Foote.
“Their attitude all week, since we left France, has been nothing short of excellent. We simply accepted the weather and focused on what we could control.”
The Junior Bok head coach, who made wholesale rotational changes to the side that went down to France the previous week, was especially pleased with the role of the team leadership in the build-up to the game, and during the match.
“Our leadership was outstanding,” he said. “Led by Riley Norton and Esethu Mnebelele, and Vusi Moyo really stood up nicely in the backs, while another leader, ‘Rambo’ Kubheka, made a huge impact off the bench.
“Our senior players inducted the new guys brilliantly, and honestly, spending time with this group has been special.”
Foote once more emphasised the importance of the European tour in the overall preparations of the South African Under-20 programme: “We're very grateful to France and Ireland for making these matches possible, and of course to Dave Wessels and the SA Rugby administration back home for getting this done.
“This block is hugely important for our journey as a new group - touring two countries and playing in these challenging conditions is exactly what we needed.
“Our pack once more stood up, and the backs are really starting to find cohesion. We came here looking for those connections, and we saw them on Friday evening. The boys have bonded well, and we’ll all watch the Springboks (against Italy) play today as a team exercise, before heading home on Sunday after what’s been a very good tour experience.
“I’m excited and looking forward to working with this group and staff. The growth they’ve shown since we first started three weeks ago in Stellenbosch has been exceptional,” added the Junior Bok coach.
Part of the team shuffle for the Irish game saw Norton moved from his usual lock position to blindside flanker, and the Junior Bok captain led from the front in a dominant pack, also stealing crucial lineout possession from the Irish to pile on the pressure.
The SA forwards scored three tries, while they were also awarded a penalty try in the second half when Ireland illegally stopped the goal-bound lineout maul.
“That was probably the toughest match I've ever played, weather-wise,” said Norton.
“The wind and rain were relentless, but we knew we had to embrace those conditions. We spoke all week about showing that typical South African strength and determination.
“Our forwards were unbelievable, that maul was unstoppable, we won the physical battle, and we were brave in defence – all of which were key to securing the win.”
Norton said the French result sharpened their focus and increased their determination: “Against Ireland, there was a different energy and absolute commitment to the physical breakdown. We learned to confront the pressure head-on, and to bounce back like that truly shows the heart of this team.
“This tour has been huge for our growth as a new group. This victory against a very good Ireland side, in that kind of weather and in front of their passionate home crowd, gives us massive belief. We’re pleased we could turn things around and are returning home knowing we’ve put down a very good marker.”
The SA U19S fly home on Sunday evening from Dublin and will arrive early Monday morning in Johannesburg, from where the squad members will travel to their home destinations.
